U of I's Alma Mater heads back to campus

URBANA – The University of Illinois' Alma Mater sculpture is set to return to campus after a year and a half away.

Campus officials say the 85-year-old sculpture will begin its trip home from Chicago early on Wednesday and be back in place on the corner of Wright and Green streets midmorning. The installation should take several hours.

The 10,000-pound bronze sculpture was created by artist Lorado Taft. Generations of students have had their photos taken with it.

The statue was moved and disassembled in in 2012 for cleaning and a massive restoration.

The university will provide updates on the Alma Mater's progress on Twitter and stream the installation online.